Mabel Greer's Toyshop Q&A

Your name: 

Robert Hagger (drums).

Where are you from? 

London, UK.

Name of band: 

Mabel Greer’s Toyshop.

Who else is in your band?

Current members: Clive Bayley (lead guitar and vocals) and Hugo Barré (bass guitar and keyboards). 

Earlier members: Chris Squire, Peter Banks, Jon Anderson, Tony Kaye and Bill Bruford.

How would you describe yourselves? 

The band "YES" was previously known as the psychedelically named Mabel Greer's Toyshop (MGT). An English progressive rock band formed in London in 1966 by Clive Bayley and Robert Hagger. The group morphed into the band “Yes” in July 1968, but recently reformed with 2 of its 3 founding members (Bayley & Hagger).

In October 1967 the band played on John Peel’s radio programme, Night Ride at the BBC. Some of the tracks later showed up on a compilation from Peter Banks, “The Roots of Yes” included the original recording of “Beyond and Before” - the song also featured on the first Yes album.

One of the last gig's for MGT was May 2, 1968, in Highgate, London. The line-up was Chris Squire, Jon Anderson, Peter Banks, Clive Bayley and Bob Hagger. The night was described by Bob on the inside cover of the CD “The Word is Live” released in 2008 on the 40th anniversary of the band. Bill Bruford replaced Bob Hagger in July 1968 and Mabel Greer’s Toyshop became “Yes”. Clive then left  the band in late 1968.

Who are your main influences musically? 

Pink Floyd, The Byrds, The Doors.

What do you hope to achieve in music? 

Clive and Bob met up again in 2013 after 45 years and went into the studio to test the old sound. They teamed up with bass player Hugo Barré and the result is a combination of new versions of old MGT songs and new material, planned for release late in 2014.

We think it will be enjoyed by YES fans and others that enjoy classic, progressive and psychedelic rock.

What has been the highlight of your career so far, and why? 

Playing alongside Chris Squire, Peter Banks and Jon Anderson, it was a very creative process.

And what’s the moment you want to forget? 

Everything is a new experience, no regrets, no forgets!

If you had to pick just one of your songs to represent your music, what would it be and why?

It’s on the new album planned for release later this year.

Where can we listen to it?

It will be available worldwide soon...

Where can we find out more about your music?

https://www.facebook.com/MabelGreersToyshop?ref=hl

http://youtu.be/vhiRNCRkD3Y

Anything else you’d like to say that I forgot to ask?

Will there be any future gigs? – Possibly, when we get the new album finished we would love to play it live. The band will decide later this year...